Staycation: 8 Things to do in the UK this Summer

With the UK predicted to have one of the warmest summers on record *please, please, please*, we’re declaring this season in 2016, staycation summer!

Break tradition and say no to the stress of airport queues, tedious flight delays and the fear of the 20kg suitcase limit – there’s plenty fun to be had right on your doorstep.

To help you get the most out of your staycation, we’ve rounded up eight fun things to do in the UK this season…

GO ON SAFARI… IN LONDON

Yes that’s right, a safari right in the heart of the capital, well, kind of. London Zoo is inviting visitors on a Sunset Safari to experience zoo life after hours, while animals are having dinner and bedding down for the night. There’s even a world food market to make sure hungry humans are catered for too!

For London accommodation, Saint George’s Hotel on Regent Street is ideally located whether you’re planning a spot of sightseeing, a serious shopping trip or a night at the theatre.

WALK ON THE SANDS OF AN AWARD-WINNING BEACH

If you can’t go a summer without the satisfying feeling of sand in-between your toes, take a stroll along one of the UK’s Blue Flag beaches. With 169 to choose from, you won’t be short of options! Make a day of it by the seaside and pick up some fish and chips too – when in Rome…

EMBRACE THE VIP LIFESTYLE AT CADBURY WORLD

Chocolate lovers rejoice as Cadbury World is hosting a Heritage Weekend on 16th and 17th July, where visitors can wander around Bournville Village and find out all about the history of Cadbury’s home town.

To celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday year, Castle Howard in York is showcasing a glittering set of replica crown jewels until Sunday 30th October 2016. The historic house and gardens are also worth exploring whilst you’re there.

Go from one royal experience to another by staying at Elmbank Hotel York, an 19th century property with a range of room types and its own bar and restaurant – perfect for a spot of fine dining.

EXPLORE A NEW CITY

City breaks don’t always have to mean venturing abroad – there’s plenty to see here in the UK too. Take Newcastle for example, with heaps of bars and restaurants, an impressive shopping scene and cultural bits too including galleries and lots of bridges over the River Tyne, you won’t be short of things to do!

Join Visit England in celebrating the Year of the English Garden with a trip to Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens in Northumberland. Stroll around the impressive grounds and take a step in back in time when entering the Grand Grecian Hall and castle, then treat yourself to a cup of tea and a slice of cake at the Victorian tea room – why not!

Retreat back to Jesmond’s Cairn Hotel after your nature-filled day and enjoy a bite to eat in the adjoining Asian-fusion restaurant Sohe, which also serves up an impressive cocktail menu.

JOIN THE ROOFTOP FILM CLUB

Sticking to the outdoorsy theme, take to the skies and watch iconic films on the rooftop of London’s Bussey Building at the Rooftop Film Club, which also has venues in New York, LA and Chicago.

HOP ON AN OPEN TOP BUS TOUR

Most of the UK’s big cities have open top bus tours which are a great way to see a new destination. Edinburgh’s open top tour passes by famous sights including Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket and the Old Town. When it’s time to call the sightseeing a day, head back to Royal British Hotel on Princes Street, where you’ll also find premier cocktail bar Juniper and luxury eatery Twenty Princes Street.

Any we’ve missed? Share your staycation inspiration with us over on Twitter.